Yellow teeth can happen gradually, making it simple to ignore. Good thing, having yellow teeth is not serious at all. And it is possible to get your bright smile back in no time. In this article, we will share the common causes that contribute to tooth discoloration and what you can do to avoid them.
Enamel will naturally discolor with age. Even if you brush and floss regularly and follow a good diet, advancing age will give the teeth a slightly yellowish shade, which is perfectly normal. Genetics and family history will often affect this condition.
There are a number of ways that you can whiten your teeth if they are or have already yellowed; these are a mix of over-the-counter toothpastes, home whitening products or, in some cases, mechanical plaque removal by a dentist or hygienist.
Yellow teeth aren't necessarily unhealthy teeth, and smiles naturally come in a myriad of different shades. Unfortunately, though, this fact does little to boost the appeal of canary-coloured teeth and there's a huge demand for cosmetic dental treatments that whiten and brighten our smiles.
Diet: Certain foods that are high in tannins, such as red wine, are potential causes of yellow teeth. Some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration include drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine. These substances get into the enamel of your teeth and can cause long-term discoloration.
For many Australian's yellow teeth are the result of dental plaque, and it turns out that fluoride kills the bacteria that thrive in dental plaque and cause tooth decay.
Mouth breathing at night causes the body to produce less saliva, which in turn causes less acid to be naturally rinsed away. The second bad sleeping habit that can cause yellow teeth is teeth grinding also called bruxism.
If your child is about 6-7 years old and their permanent teeth have started to erupt, you may notice that their permanent teeth look quite a bit more yellow than their baby teeth. Good news: this is normal.
In spite of our obsession with whiter teeth, most healthy teeth tend to have a light yellow hue. The outer layer of your teeth – the enamel – is a blue-white color. The middle layer – the dentin – is a thick tissue with a slightly yellow tinge.
In fact, both men and women commonly find yellow teeth a turn-off at best and a deal breaker at worst. Studies have actually shown that both men and women find yellow teeth a worse characteristic in a potential date than spotty skin or bad table manners.
If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.
It's never too late to make your oral health a priority again, no matter how long you've been without dental care.
Ageing, genetics and health
Your overall health is also a factor in determining the colour of your teeth – in particular, issues such as nutritional deficiencies and treatments for cancer are likely to render your teeth yellow, regardless of your brushing and care.
If left untreated, stained teeth can become more obvious over the years. Teeth also can start appearing more yellow as a natural part of the aging process. As you age, your tooth enamel can become thinner, allowing yellow dentin to show through.
Teeth look yellow when the enamel is thin and the dentin underneath shows through it. Dentin is a deep yellow to brownish material inside your teeth under the enamel, and it's often responsible for the yellow you see when you look in the mirror.
DrBicuspid (2/11) reported that in a “survey of 4,906 people” conducted by DentaVox, “80% of respondents said yellow teeth are less attractive than white teeth.” In addition, “38% of respondents described their teeth as yellow, and of this group, 33% cited poor oral health as the main cause, DentaVox found.”
"The nerve in the center, then dentin — which is a yellowish color — then enamel." All of these things are governed by your genetics, and they can all impact the color of your teeth. According to Dr. Huang, people who have thicker enamel and lighter dentin will have brighter teeth naturally.
Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be brought back. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Although toothpastes and mouthwashes can never “rebuild” teeth, they can contribute to this remineralization process.
The first and most anticipated reason behind your child's yellow, stained or discolored teeth could be the result of poor hygiene, a side effect of medication, tooth decay, tooth trauma, decalcification, or even genetics.
For about two to six weeks, you can use dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste and brush twice a day. You can use a certified whitening mouthwash which usually takes about three months to produce visible results. Whitening strips are the most compelling in-house treatments that last up to six months.
Young adult teeth, when they first come in, have a larger proportion of nerve in them, compared to when the child is 17 or 18. The large amount of nerve, and the fact that the tooth is hollower and less dense, gives it a yellow appearance.
Dentin. Teeth look yellow when the enamel is thin and the dentin underneath shows through it. Dentin is a deep yellow to brownish material inside your teeth under the enamel, and it's often responsible for the yellow you see when you look in the mirror.
Saliva is the Best Hydration
Since your teeth are slightly dehydrated after whitening, you may be inclined to drink lots of water. While drinking plenty of water is always a good idea, it won't necessarily rehydrate your teeth. The best way to rehydrate your teeth is by ensuring your mouth stays moist.
Sleeping with your mouth open may not seem like a big deal, but it's a major red flag that you're not breathing properly at night, which can have a severe negative impact on your overall health and wellness.
Teeth whitening completed by dental professionals involves chemically treating the teeth with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These are the main ingredients used in tooth whitening products by dentists in Australia.